My Foray into My Midwestern Roots

Musically (or Otherwise) Inclined

Often families share traits or talents that may include creativity, logical thinking, type of humor, mannerisms, and even musical inclination.

Four of my dad’s uncles had a small band, my uncle played the organ, my dad played the steel guitar, my niece and daughter played the flute, my son played the trombone, and my uncle (Glen Johnson Jr.) played the Sousaphone (first person in the Ohio State Band to dot the “i” in the Ohio Script!). I’ve tried to play the keyboard (I’m not coordinated enough to play with both hands!) and the guitar (guess I need to play through the pain, calluses and hand stretching!).

My children have beautiful voices, my dad always was singing, two of my first cousins sang – one professionally in Las Vegas. I can not for the life of me carry a tune! That didn’t stop me from being in my 9th grade choir. I was just a tiny little voice of 200! Or my church’s choir while I was growing up. The director didn’t care much as long as there was a warm body there! My children have politely and not so politely asked me to NOT sing anymore!

My dad is a prolific writer of poetry and so am I. Two of my daughter’s have also enjoyed writing poetry.

My mom was in Toastmasters years ago and I love to give speeches. None of my children have issues with getting up in front of people to talk. I think we all like an audience.

What traits or similarities have you discovered within your family tree?